Papaloukas, who spearheaded Greece's upset of Team USA's star-laden team in last year's FIBA World Championship semifinals, spoke to the Sport-Express newspaper in Moscow about his dilemma.

"I have some offers from the NBA but I must decide whether I should go or whether it's better to stay," he said. "I will decide in about a week. I won't consider any other European clubs except CSKA."

Papaloukas has been one of the continent's biggest stars since helping Greece reach the quarterfinals of the 2004 Olympics in Athens.

A 6-7 point guard, he was voted to the EuroBasket 2005 All-Tournament team after guiding Greece to the gold medal, and the next season, he earned MVP honors of the Euroleague Final Four after CSKA's triumph over two-time defending champions Maccabi Tel Aviv in the final.

Papaloukas was named FIBA Europe's Player of the Year in 2006 and, this year, he led CSKA to a successful defense of their Russian Cup and Superleague titles. He also provided much of the inspiration on the Russian team's march to the Euroleague final in his home city of Athens, Greece, where it finished runner-up to host Panathinaikos.

After receiving the honor as the Euroleague's best player, Papaloukas was voted as the MVP of the Superleague by players in a poll conducted Sport-Express this week.

"It's important to obtain the recognition of my colleagues," he said. "If players you play with or against name you the best player, it's a very pleasing thing. It means that you've really done something that deserved their respect and recognition. For me, it's an additional source of motivation and motivation is the most important thing in sport."

Papaloukas and Greece will try to defend their gold medal at EuroBasket 2007 in Spain later this year.

Quote:

Curtis (Lansing): I hear that Theo Papaloukas is interested in coming to the NBA, that guy from Greece who torched the USA in the World Championships. One of the teams he’s interested in is Detroit. Any interest there? Langlois: The Pistons have a strong presence in Europe and they’ve been one of the NBA’s elite teams for the past five years, so it’s not surprising Papaloukas – generally considered the best player in the world not in the NBA – would have interest in them. At 6-foot-7, Papaloukas can play both guard spots and is regarded as a terrifically heady player who isn’t great at anything in particular. If the Pistons’ re-sign Chauncey Billups, as expected, Papaloukas might have greater value – and be able to win a bigger contract – out of somebody else. But, sure, he’s a name to keep in mind for the Pistons – again, after the draft.

Quote:

Teo admitted the rumours that he is searching for a team in NBA, adding that this team should give him the playing time, the money and the victories that he [is] used to enjoy[ing] in Europe.

"I want to go to the NBA but only for playing in the highest level. I am not a teenager anymore; I am almost 30 years old, thus I have to be very careful. I will go to a team that is a winner. I don't want to play for a club that counts 50 losses every season.... I am speaking with 12 teams but I cannot reveal them right now."

Papaloukas said that he would like to go to "a team where the coach would respect me and believe in what I can offer. I don't want to be like Vasilis Spanoulis that has the quality and the potential to play in the league but he belongs to a team that hasn't given him the opportunity to play."

"Personally, I am interested mostly for teams such as San Antonio, Dallas, Detroit, Cleveland and Miami. I am waiting for some changes on those teams. If an important player leaves, maybe there would be an empty place for me. However, it still is a very difficult and an important decision, as well."Painted Area readers should know Theo Papaloukas well, as we have extolled his virtues extensively over the past year. He has been the greatest winner in European basketball over the last couple years - here is his recent resume:

2005 European Championships: Led Greece to Gold Medal2006 Euroleague: Led CSKA Moscow to title while winning Euro Final 4 MVP2006 World Championships: Led Greece to Silver Medal, including upset of USA2007 Euroleague: Led CSKA Moscow to championship game while winning MVP for Euroleague season

The 29-year-old is quite simply the finest international player in the world outside of the NBA. You can go to Draft Express for a thorough scouting report on his game.

As far as a quick scouting report, Papaloukas is essentially a point guard, with great size (6-7) and an exceptional basketball IQ. He is a playmaker extraordinaire, who runs the pick-and-roll very well (see: Greece v USA, 2006). He's a subpar shooter overall, though he steps up in the clutch consistently (see: resume above). He's also a subpar athlete by NBA standards, but he can still make things happen on the defensive end with his smarts and anticipation. Even though he has been a star for both club and country, he always comes off the bench. His influence is somewhat like Ginobili's on the Spurs - he's a starter in reserve's clothing and he always seems to find a way to stir things up when he enters a ballgame.

Do I think he can succeed in the NBA? Like so many other Euroleague veterans who come over, it's all about the right fit. I believe guys like Jasikevicious and Baston could play on the right teams, and I believe guys like A. Parker and Garbajosa would ride the pine on the wrong teams.

Here's Jay Aych's take on which NBA teams might suit Theo best:

In general, think Papa would fit well next toan undersized 2-guard or scoring PG (would work wellnext to Arenas) where it allows Theo to guard2-guards.

Miami--Don't think he's a good fit. Miami needs a PGwho can shoot next to Wade. Wasting Papalouk's talentbecause the Heat offense revolves around isos for Wadeor dumping the ball into Shaq. First priority is tohave shooters around those two. Plus, Wade has theball in his hands so much where he either creates forhimself or others.

SA--Obviously this would be a coup & ultimately unfair ifhe went here. The Spurs do need a back-up PG, andPapa could play next to Parker very well. If theSpurs are willing to give their whole MLE to Theo,(that's what it will probably take), then you do thedeal. The only thing is the Spurs have to startlooking for some youth on the wings, & maybe anotherbig body.

Clev--The Cavs could use some help at PG. Though Ifeel it's most important to have a PG next to Bron whocan stroke it, as a back-up Theo might bring some muchneeded variation to the anemic offense of the Cavs.

Det--Think this makes some sense. The Pistons need aback-up PG, and could use a back-up 2-guard as well, ifFlip Murray opts out. Theo can play minutes at the 2,and can definitely play alongside Billups. Oneconcern is that gives the Pistons possibly 2 PGs whoare in their 30s. The Pistons might be more inclinedto go with a cheaper, younger back-up behind Billups.The other concern with Det. is they will have to spend apretty penny to keep Chauncey, and they might have toadd another big if CWebb is done & McDyess opts out.

Dallas-- Could easily see him in a Mavs jersey. Wouldwork very well next to Terry, and could work well inpick/rolls with Dirk. The Mavs' primary need is forsome low-post scoring, but having the chance to grabTheo might be too enticing for Cuban to pass up.Cubes took a chance on Frenchman Antoine Rigaudeau a few years ago, another Euro vet PG; difference is Theo is much better than him. Could see Cubes giving him the entire MLE.

other possible destinations:Utah: like this fit, need a back-up PG, himpick & rolling with Boozer would be a treat. Worksgreat in that offense, though the Jazz's 1st concernis a 2-guard. Suns: do need a back-up to Nash, butthe issue of money comes into play & will the Sunseven use their entire MLE this year with their lux taxissues. Lakers: Phil loves his big PGs, if Odom ismoved, Theo makes more sense 'cause he gives youanother ball-handler. LA, though, needs a shooter atPG. Rockets: do need a back-up PG, but first need tofill major hole at the PF, then maybe get a 3rd scorerbefore looking for another PG.

_________________Regards, Alpha|Lionbacker.com \(^o^)/"I date this girl for two years and then the nagging starts: I wanna know your name..." - Mike Binder

June 15th, 2007, 3:45 pm

Guildenkrantz is dead

National Champion

Joined: March 24th, 2007, 5:15 pmPosts: 882

He looks like Steve Nash on his highlight videos. I cannot quite tell how quick he is, but he is a great ball handler and disher. He is the type of guy that could make Maxiell or Johnson into major producers.

I like Chauncey's ability to make big shots, but his ability to attack the basket, defend off the dribble, and pass do not merit maximum contract in my book. Sure we will miss him for the next two years, but after that his earnings will far outstrip his production.

June 15th, 2007, 5:07 pm

wjb21ndtown

Guildenkrantz is dead wrote:

He looks like Steve Nash on his highlight videos. I cannot quite tell how quick he is, but he is a great ball handler and disher. He is the type of guy that could make Maxiell or Johnson into major producers.

I like Chauncey's ability to make big shots, but his ability to attack the basket, defend off the dribble, and pass do not merit maximum contract in my book. Sure we will miss him for the next two years, but after that his earnings will far outstrip his production.

I agree 100%...

June 15th, 2007, 5:31 pm

theAlphaMale

Site Admin

Joined: August 6th, 2004, 1:25 amPosts: 4920Location: Hills of Auburn

He can attack the basket but he is not a true slasher and does it seldomly. I think Rip and Taytay should also attack the basket much more often That is what most 2's and 3's do on offense anyways.

_________________Regards, Alpha|Lionbacker.com \(^o^)/"I date this girl for two years and then the nagging starts: I wanna know your name..." - Mike Binder